Residual Hypo Test

[AnselAdamsX]

I tried using some residual hypo test on some fiber based paper after I washed it. It didn't show any color change on the paper when I let it set for 10 seconds. However as it dried a brown stain developed. Is this normal? Does it mean my wash was not archival? I thought it was supposed to show a color change immediately. I have limited washing facilities. I develop in a drum and use HCA and then rinse then let it soak in a tray for 20 minutes then change the water and let it soak another 20 minutes. I don't have the space to get an archival washer or any permanent darkroom setup so any suggestions are welcome.

 

[pentaxuser]

Isn't anything other than a pale cream colour an indication that it hasn't reached archival standards?

pentaxuser

 

[Robert Hall]

It may be you are not fixing properly as well. Tell us about how you fix and how old your fixer is, what kind, etc.

How old is the HCA?

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

The key to effective washing is not to have the prints stick together. You can get a good archival wash with a tray siphon. Even an archival washer is ineffective if you use it wrong.

 

[wildbill]

wrong. I suggest you read the instructions (or download them) that came with your test kit.

 

[AnselAdamsX]

Found instructions online. Redid test for 2 minutes. See faint tan. Indicates good not excellent results. I use Kodak kodafix fixer at paper strength (1/2 film strength) for 5 minutes constant agitation. I use Kodak hca for 3 minutes constant agitation. Both are fresh and not used much. Sounds like two step film strength fix is next step.

 

[MattKing]

Kodafix fixer is a hardening fixer. See if you can replace that with a non-hardening rapid fixer - the washing process will be more efficient.